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ATI RN · ATI Mental Health · Behavioral Questions for Nurse

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Showing all 5 practice questions with expert explanatory rationales.

Question 1 of 5

A patient fearfully runs from chair to chair crying, 'They're coming! They're coming!' The patient does not follow the staff's directions or respond to verbal interventions. The initial nursing intervention of highest priority is to

A. provide for the patient's safety.

B. encourage clarification of feelings.

C. respect the patient's personal space.

D. offer an outlet for the patient's energy.

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: provide for the patient's safety.

Question 2 of 5

Nurse Anne recognizes that John is always blaming others for his shortcomings. Finger pointing is usually related to the defense mechanism of:

A. Scapegoating.

B. Identification.

C. Restitution.

D. Avoidance.

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: Scapegoating.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is in the manic phase. The patient is engaging in impulsive behavior, such as excessive spending. What is the priority nursing intervention?

A. Encourage the patient to think through the consequences of their actions.

B. Administer mood-stabilizing medication as prescribed.

C. Provide a calm, quiet environment to reduce stimulation.

D. Limit the patient's access to money and credit cards.

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: Limit the patient's access to money and credit cards.

Question 4 of 5

Which documentation indicates that the treatment plan for a patient in an alcohol treatment program was effective?

A. Is abstinent for 10 days and states, 'I can maintain sobriety one day at a time.' Spoke with employer, who is willing to allow the patient to return to work in 3 weeks.

B. Is abstinent for 15 days and states, 'My problems are under control.' Plans to seek a new job where coworkers will not know history.

C. Attends AA daily; states many of the members are 'real' alcoholics and says, 'I may be able to help some of them find jobs at my company.'

D. Is abstinent for 21 days and says, 'I know I can't handle more than one or two drinks in a social setting.'

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: Is abstinent for 10 days and states, 'I can maintain sobriety one day at a time.' Spoke with employer, who is willing to allow the patient to return to work in 3 weeks.

Question 5 of 5

Which statement shows a nurse has empathy for a patient who made a suicide attempt?

A. You must have been very upset when you tried to hurt yourself.

B. It makes me sad to see you going through such a difficult experience.

C. If you tell me what is troubling you, I can help you solve your problems.

D. Suicide is a drastic solution to a problem that may not be such a serious matter.

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: You must have been very upset when you tried to hurt yourself.

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